THERE was a time four months ago when Carl Burley wondered whether he was still the right man to lead Causeway United.

Not now, though, after a storming return to form has put the Black Country club on course for their best ever league season.

Causeway’s eighth league win out of nine last week propelled them into their highest ever spot of fourth in the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance – and Burley jokes he would be delighted to see the season end now.

Teams around them have played fewer games but the Causeway boss would love to maintain a challenge for a top-five finish.

“The best we have ever finished is sixth and the best points tally is 66 so it would be a real achievement to set new records,” said Burley.

“One of the committee men with time on his hands has worked out a graph for the last few seasons and we have got more points at this stage of a season than ever before. We just want to keep it going.”

But it didn’t look so cheery in September when Causeway, having lost key figures in the summer, were humbled by neighbours Bartley Green in the FA Cup and were walloped by Coleshill, Coalville, and Studley.

“At times you question yourself and question whether the players are up to it,” said Burley, who has been the manager for three seasons.

“I’m over the moon with how the lads have responded. They are the ones who deserve the credit for turning the season round.

“It’s been a real team effort.”

On Saturday, Causeway face a team just one point behind them when they head to Leicestershire side Kirby Muxloe.

Though winger Adam Overton is now back in training after an arm injury, it is still to early for a recall and Burley is set to name the same squad which defeated Willenhall Town last week.

Elsewhere, Studley and Alvechurch will both look to build on stunning midweek wins.

Studley climbed to fifth after a magnificent comeback victory at title-chasing Coalville, and travel to second from bottom Malvern Town on Saturday while Alvechurch, buoyed by victory against championship-chasing Tipton, entertain Friar Lane.